What are improvement and prohibition notices for a mining operation?

For updated information relating to the information on this page go to Mining and exploration notifications.

On 31 March 2022, the Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws replaced the health and safety elements of the Mines Safety and Inspection laws. For information visit www.demirs.wa.gov.au/whs

Transitional arrangements may be in place for the compliance requirements on this page.

All health and safety notifications, forms and guidance for mining and petroleum has moved to the WorkSafe website

The information below has been left for historical compliance reference purposes

 

 

Legislative basis

When mines inspectors become aware of non-compliance with the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994 or related regulations, they may issue:

  • verbal directions
  • written directions
  • commence prosecution action.

Written directions are known as improvement notices or prohibition notices. Only inspectors may issue these notices.

To find out more about more refer to the pamphlet below:

The role of mines inspectors - MSIA pamphlet - 848 Kb

This pamphlet explains the role of mine inspectors in relation to the Mines Safety and Inspection Act.

What is an improvement notice?

An inspector may issue an improvement notice when the inspector is of the opinion that the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994 or a related regulation:

  • is being contravened

or

  • has been contravened in circumstances that make it likely that the contravention will continue or be repeated.

Receiving an improvement or provisional improvement notice - poster - 168 Kb

This poster provides advice on what to do when an inspector/assistant inspector issues an improvement notice, or a safety and health representative issues a provisional improvement notice (PIN).

Safety and health representatives can issue a similar notice called a provisional improvement notice (PIN). To find out more, go to What are provisional improvement notices for a mining operation?

What is a prohibition notice?

An inspector may issue an improvement notice when the inspector is of the opinion that:

  • the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994 or related regulation is being contravened, or has been contravened
  • in circumstances that make it likely that the contravention will continue or be repeated.
  • the contravention creates a hazard or is likely to create a hazard to any person
  • the mine, plant, mining practice or hazardous substance at, or related to the mine, is dangerous or likely to become dangerous to any person and urgent action is required.

A prohibition notice is essentially an order to stop an activity or remove a hazard considered to be dangerous or likely to become dangerous.

A prohibition notice may require the person who has control of the circumstances, which may be the principal employer or registered manager, to:

  • stop work at the mine or a specified part of the mine
  • refrain from doing any specified thing at or in relation to the mine
  • remove all persons from the mine or a specified part of the mine.

There may be conditions imposed in relation to the prohibition.

The notice remains in force until the inspector is satisfied that the matter has been remedied.

Receiving a prohibition notice - poster - 155 Kb

This poster advises what to do when you receive a prohibition notice from an inspector or assistant inspector.

Recording the notice

On receiving a notice from an inspector, the manager of the mine must:

  • provide a copy of the notice to the principal employer — the employer then must take all reasonable steps to ensure the notice is complied with
  • display the notice at the mine site
  • fix a copy in the mine record book.

Notice of the action taken and the completion of the remedial action should be posted at the site and in the mine record book.

If a review of the notice is requested, a copy of the request for review must also be attached to the mine record book.

Requesting a review of a notice

The mine manager or the principal employer may refer a notice to the State Mining Engineer for review within the following timeframes:

  • improvement notices – before the remedy date on the notice
  • prohibition notices – within 7 days of the date of the notice.

During the review process:

  • an improvement notice is suspended
  • a prohibition notice remains in effect unless the State Mining Engineer gives written permission to the contrary.

The State Mining Engineer can cancel, uphold or modify the notice.

The notice must be complied with if it is upheld or modified and there is no appeal. Failure to comply is an offence under the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994.

Appealing the State Mining Engineer’s decision following a review

The State Mining Engineer’s decision may be appealed to the Occupational Safety and Health Tribunal.

 

The Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission has more details on referrals and lodging applications with the Occupational Safety and Health Tribunal.